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Some 88 full time roles – possibly over 100 employees – are at threat of losing their jobs.

Libraries set to be fully staffed by professional librarians, dubbed Town Libraries, are: Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Batley, Cleckheaton, Mirfield, Birstall, Heckmondwike and Holmfirth.

Huddersfield Library and Art Gallery.

It is hoped that the remaining 16 libraries, largely in small villages or suburbs of Huddersfield, will be run by one council employee backed by community volunteers. Some may have their premises transferred to community ownership.

Plans for libraries to be run by volunteers alone with no council backup have been shelved.

It is planned to merge Holmfirth’s Tourist Information Centre into the library as soon as possible.

A review of the viability of all library premises is to be undertaken and some could move to different buildings.

Community libraries would be reviewed for closure if volunteer support is deemed insufficient.

Top councillor, Clr Graham Turner, said the plan “preserved as much of the service as possible” amid austerity cuts from the government.

Clr Graham Turner

The plan, published late this afternoon, also reveals vast cuts to the opening hours of libraries for Kirklees’ 67,000 library card holders.

They will be slashed by 40% with Huddersfield and Dewsbury open the longest, 50 hours per week each.

The other six will operate more restricted opening hours of between 30 and 40 hours per week.

Dewsbury Library in Railway Street, Dewsbury

Officials say Kirkheaton library could open for just five hours per week.

The other so called Community Supported Libraries would open between 15 and 30 hours per week. Volunteers from ‘Friends Of’ groups will be allowed to open their libraries when the paid staff are not available.

Clr Turner, cabinet member for resources, said the plan was the best balance of giving access to libraries and the budget demands of saving £1.8m.

He said: “When we started looking at what we could deliver within our reduced budget, I wanted to make sure that we preserved as much of the service as possible and to ensure that we could provide as many access points to a library service as possible, and not embark on a wholesale closure programme.

Kirkheaton Library could open just five hours a week

“I believe with the help of volunteers and hardworking committed staff we have achieved this.”

He added: “Libraries are hubs of community activity and offer important access to the internet for many who do not have that at home. They are no longer quiet places just for books and research.

“In many cases they have evolved into community hubs, where many groups meet, such as `knit and natter’, walking groups, craft groups and reading groups. They can also help alleviate social isolation, and help with our early intervention and prevention strategy, helping people live better lives.

“I am thankful to all those who took part in our consultation and none of my colleagues has been left in any doubt about the strength of feeling and support for the service.”

The proposal will be put before Kirklees Council’s cabinet at a Huddersfield Town Hall meeting at 4pm on Tuesday, September 22.